The Healing Epidemic
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The Healing Epidemic
Peter Masters's "The Healing Epidemic" presents a cogent, if at times severe, critique of the faith healing revival that gained momentum in the 1980s. His dissection of theological justifications, particularly those employed by figures like John Wimber, is methodical. Masters is at his strongest when systematically dismantling the scriptural interpretations used to assert the present-day continuity of apostolic sign-gifts. One limitation is the book's somewhat polemical tone, which can overshadow the intellectual rigor for some readers. A particularly insightful section details the author's interpretation of how early church fathers understood the cessation of certain miraculous endowments. Ultimately, Masters's work serves as a vital historical document for understanding debates within evangelical and charismatic circles regarding spiritual gifts.
📝 Description
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Peter Masters's 1988 book critically examines late 20th-century charismatic healing phenomena.
Peter Masters's "The Healing Epidemic," published in 1988, scrutinizes the charismatic healing movements prominent in the late 20th century. The author dissects the theological and practical justifications for these occurrences, particularly those championed by figures such as John Wimber. Masters challenges the prevailing acceptance of faith healing during a period of significant growth in the Charismatic movement.
The book engages directly with the theological arguments promoted at the time, addressing specific claims made to support contemporary healing practices. It is aimed at students of comparative religion, theologians, and anyone interested in the historical development of spiritual movements. The work appeals to those seeking a critical perspective on claims of supernatural healing and spiritual gifts, especially within Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions.
While not strictly an esoteric text in the New Age sense, "The Healing Epidemic" engages with spiritual claims that intersect with esoteric traditions. It addresses phenomena like 'sign-gifts' and divine intervention, concepts often found in various spiritual and religious systems. The book's critical stance on the historical continuity and interpretation of these gifts places it within a broader discourse on religious experience and supernatural claims, relevant to anyone studying the boundaries of established religious practice and emergent spiritual phenomena.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Understand the specific theological arguments Masters uses to question the continuity of apostolic sign-gifts, a key debate point since the book's 1988 publication. • Examine the historical reception of charismatic healing phenomena, as Masters directly engages with figures prominent in the late 20th-century movement. • Discern critical methods for evaluating spiritual claims, learning from Masters's detailed analysis of biblical texts and historical precedent regarding miraculous endowments.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What specific arguments from John Wimber does Peter Masters address in 'The Healing Epidemic'?
Masters critiques Wimber's hermeneutics regarding the duration of sign-gifts and the theological basis for contemporary faith healing claims. The book examines the scriptural interpretations Wimber and others used to support their practices.
When was 'The Healing Epidemic' first published and what was the cultural context?
The book was first published on January 1, 1988, during a period of significant expansion for the Charismatic movement, making its critical stance particularly relevant.
Does Masters believe miraculous gifts have ceased entirely?
Masters argues for the temporary nature of certain sign-gifts, distinguishing them from gifts that continue. His work focuses on the cessation of specific apostolic endowments as practiced in the era he critiques.
Who is Peter Masters and what is his background?
Peter Masters is an author and critic known for his theological and historical analyses of religious movements. His work often takes a critical stance on contemporary spiritual phenomena.
What is the Bibliotheca Sacra review of 'The Healing Epidemic'?
The Bibliotheca Sacra review, quoted on the back cover, praises the book as a masterful analysis and criticism of charismatic phenomena, commending Masters's answers to arguments defending healing tactics and his proofs for the temporary nature of sign-gifts.
What does 'sign-gifts' refer to in the context of 'The Healing Epidemic'?
Sign-gifts, as discussed by Masters, refers to miraculous abilities attributed to apostles in the early church, such as dramatic healings and other supernatural manifestations, which he argues were temporary.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Duration of Sign-Gifts
Masters contends that specific miraculous endowments, termed 'sign-gifts,' were primarily intended for the apostolic era. He meticulously examines scriptural passages and historical theological interpretations to argue against their perpetual operation in the church. The work provides detailed counter-arguments to those who assert that gifts like dramatic healings are meant to continue unabated throughout Christian history.
Discernment of Spiritual Manifestations
A core theme is the necessity of critical discernment in evaluating supernatural claims. Masters provides frameworks for assessing whether observed phenomena align with biblical patterns and historical Christian understanding. He addresses the potential for psychological suggestion, emotional manipulation, or other non-supernatural explanations for perceived miracles, urging readers towards careful theological and empirical evaluation.
Theological Basis for Healing
The book scrutinizes the theological underpinnings of modern faith healing movements. Masters analyzes how proponents, such as John Wimber, interpret scripture to justify their healing ministries. He challenges the notion that divine healing is always promised or universally applied in the present day, offering an alternative perspective rooted in a specific understanding of covenant and promise.
Critique of Charismatic Revivalism
Masters offers a direct critique of the revivalist atmosphere surrounding charismatic healing in the late 20th century. He questions the methodology and conclusions of prominent figures, presenting his research as a necessary corrective. The work aims to ground discussions of spiritual gifts in robust exegesis and historical theology, rather than popular enthusiasm.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The temporary nature of the sign-gifts.”
— This refers to Masters's central argument that specific miraculous abilities, associated with the apostles, were meant for a limited historical period, not for all subsequent church ages.
“Masters gives excellent answers to the arguments used by Wimber and others.”
— This highlights the book's strength in directly confronting and refuting the theological justifications presented by proponents of modern charismatic healing practices.
“Analysis and criticism of the most recent manifestations of charismatic phenomena.”
— This phrase captures the book's purpose: to provide a scholarly and critical examination of spiritual events and claims prevalent at the time of its writing.
“The work explores the theological basis for contemporary faith healing.”
— Masters engages deeply with the scriptural and doctrinal foundations upon which modern movements claiming miraculous healing build their practices and beliefs.
“Biblical proofs for the cessation of certain spiritual endowments.”
— Masters presents scriptural evidence and theological reasoning to support his view that particular miraculous gifts were not intended to continue indefinitely in the church.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
While not strictly an esoteric text in the Hermetic or Kabbalistic sense, Masters's work engages with the broader Christian tradition's understanding of the supernatural. It operates within a theological framework that acknowledges spiritual realities but critically examines their manifestation, distinguishing between accepted doctrines and perceived excesses within certain revivalist movements.
Symbolism
The primary 'symbols' here are conceptual rather than visual. The 'sign-gifts' themselves function as potent symbols of apostolic authority and divine intervention. Masters's analysis deconstructs these symbols, arguing their original meaning and function were tied to a specific historical context, thereby challenging their contemporary symbolic resonance as universally applicable promises.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary discussions regarding spiritual discernment, the boundaries of charismatic expression, and the historical continuity of church practices still echo the debates Masters engaged with. Thinkers and denominations seeking to critically evaluate supernatural claims within their traditions often reference the arguments presented in such works as a foundational critique.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Students of Christian theology and church history seeking to understand debates surrounding spiritual gifts in the late 20th century. • Individuals investigating the claims of faith healers and charismatic movements who desire a critical, text-based analysis. • Pastors and church leaders grappling with theological questions concerning miraculous phenomena and their place in contemporary church life.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 1988, "The Healing Epidemic" emerged during a fervent period for the Charismatic Renewal movement, which saw widespread enthusiasm for faith healing and other miraculous manifestations. This era was characterized by figures like John Wimber, whose ministry and theological defenses of these phenomena were gaining significant traction within evangelical circles. Masters's work stood in direct opposition to this trend, offering a critical, scholarly counter-narrative. It engaged with the theological currents of the time, particularly within Pentecostalism and broader evangelicalism, which were debating the nature and continuation of spiritual gifts. While the book received a favorable review from Bibliotheca Sacra, its critical stance likely placed it at odds with many proponents of the renewal, positioning it as a significant voice in the ongoing theological discourse surrounding spiritual warfare and supernatural endowments.
📔 Journal Prompts
The nature of sign-gifts as historical markers.
Masters's critique of Wimber's arguments regarding healing tactics.
The theological basis for the temporary nature of certain spiritual endowments.
Critical discernment of charismatic phenomena.
Scriptural proofs for the cessation of specific miraculous gifts.
🗂️ Glossary
Sign-Gifts
Miraculous spiritual abilities attributed to the apostles in the early Christian church, such as dramatic healings, prophecy, and speaking in tongues, often seen as credentials for apostleship.
Charismatic Phenomena
Spiritual manifestations associated with the Charismatic movement, including ecstatic worship, prophecy, divine healing, and speaking in tongues, believed by adherents to be direct works of the Holy Spirit.
Faith Healing
The practice of seeking divine intervention through prayer and spiritual means to cure illness, often a central tenet of faith healing movements and charismatic traditions.
Apostolic Era
The period encompassing the ministry of Jesus's original twelve apostles and their immediate successors, considered by some theologians to be a unique time for foundational spiritual gifts.
Hermeneutics
The theory and methodology of interpretation, especially the interpretation of biblical texts. Masters critiques the hermeneutics used by proponents of continuous sign-gifts.
Discernment
The ability to judge well, particularly in spiritual matters; assessing the source and validity of spiritual experiences and manifestations.
Bibliotheca Sacra
A conservative evangelical theological journal that published a positive review of Peter Masters's book, highlighting its critical analysis of charismatic healing.
This book appears in 1 collection
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